Gay GOP group GOProud on Friday
endorsed Mark Kirk in his bid to represent the people of Illinois in
the U.S. Senate.
The endorsement is expected to be
controversial because Kirk objects to lifting the 1993 policy that
bans gay and lesbian troops from serving openly, known as “Don't
Ask, Don't Tell.” As a member of the House, Kirk voted against a
repeal measure earlier this year.
“Mark Kirk supports common-sense
conservatives solutions that will improve the lives of all
Illinoisans, including gay and lesbian Illinoisans,” Jimmy
LaSalvia, executive director of GOProud, said in a statement.
“From taxes to healthcare to jobs and
the economy, Mark Kirk consistently supports policies that would
benefit gay and lesbian voters in Illinois,” he added.
In making its endorsement, the group
did not mention Kirk's objection to repeal of the military ban.
The group is already under fire from
gay rights leaders and progressive media for a $50,000 television ad
buy that equates gay allies House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California
Senator Barbara Boxer and openly gay Massachusetts Congressman Barney
Frank to the gossipy stars of Bravo's Real Housewives reality
franchise.
The
Bilerico Project's Managing
Editor Alex Blaze called the ad “homophobic” for labeling Frank a
“catty” housewife, and gay
weekly The
Washington Blade said
GOProud had GONECrazy.